Cell and Infection Biology

Programme Profile: Cell and Infection Biology

The curriculum relates topics of cell and developmental biology with those of infection biology and corresponding disease. The cell biology topics comprise developmental subjects such as tissue regeneration and morphogenetic cell migration, molecular stem cell biology, epigenetic plasticity, multicellularity and environment depending development. Based on general aspects and novel approaches in molecular biology including bioinformatics and computational biology, current research topics in the fields of cell biology, microbiology, biophysics, bioinformatics are emphasized. These include in particular the action of pathogenicity factors of both human-pathogenic prokaryotic and eukaryotic infectious strains and ways to develop strategies against disease spreading. 

The two selected topics are composed of two theory modules as well as a practical course unit each. Further research training is provided in a selected field of interest, and the students are actively involved in ongoing research projects and learn to independently plan and perform both theoretical and experimental work and finally, to summarize and discuss the results obtained in the thesis.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The students learn to understand the complexity of developmental processes of cells and tissues, based on fundamental principles of cell and molecular biology including the control of gene expression at various levels. By studying various forms and “strategies” of infectious particles or organisms, the students become familiar with the principles of strategies to limit the spreading of infectious disease and are able to evaluate infectious agents with regard to biosafety and biosecurity issues.  The students are enabled to address scientific questions with regard to cellular organization and development, theoretic principles of infection biology and pathogenicity including principles and mechanistic details on the origin and spreading of infectious diseases. The students learn to perform biohazard risk assessments and to setup appropriate biosafety actions. They are aware of scenarios in research and environment that may be associated with biological hazards. They know to approach scientific problems both theoretically and experimentally, and - based on the results obtained - to further develop scientific models and hypotheses.  

Programme Schedule

• S1 TOPIC 1 (2 theory modules plus practical course) 
• S2 TOPIC 2 (2 theory modules plus practical course) 
• S3 Advanced experimental training (F2, 15CP) + additional special courses (15 CP) 
• S4 Thesis + final colloquium

Curriculum

For detailed informations on the following modules listed are available in the Online Course Book, Master Biosciences, Module Group 4  WueStudy

Year 1 (Winter-Semester)

• Methods in Life Sciences or Molecular Parasitology
• Molecular Infection Biology F1 (Practical Course)
• Additional Courses

Year 1 (Summer-Semester)

• Molecular Biology
• Signals and Differentiation
• Pathogenicity of Microorganisms
   

Year 2

• Cell and Developmental Biology F1 or Microbiology F1 or Virology F1 (Practical Course)
• Cell and Develpmental Biology F2 or Microbiology F2 or Virology F2
• Additional Courses

• Thesis
• Thesis Colloquium

Modules - Theory

Molecular Biology (Lecture Series)

C: Molecular Biology of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. The lecture series introduces into the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, biophysics, bioinformatics. Based on current concepts in molecular biology, the lectures elucidate these with respect to the particular disciplines. 
Recommended literature: Alberts B, Bray D. et al. "Essential Cell Biology"; Garland Science, NY USA 
In the course sessions on "Cell Biology" (comprising 25% of the total) focuses on  the eucaryotic cell and illustrates both the fundamental principles of molecular cell biology and the huge structural and functional diversity of molecules, organelles and cells.
The lectures on bioinformatics (25% of total) comprise many examples for application in order to demonstrate how to address problems in molecular biology with tools of bioinformatics. The lectures are in line with the textbook "Essential Cell Biology", and include many examples covering the topics of all course sessions. Bioinformatics is presented as a computer based molecular biology tool allowing time saving experimental planning.   
The third part of the lecture series is dealing with fundamental aspects of prokaryotes and microbiology in general. Special topics are the organization of the bacterial genome, the machinery and regulation of transcription and translation, the transport of cellular components, cell division and   cellular differentiation processes, bacterial mobility and chemotaxis, signal transduction and bacterial communication.       
Recommended literature:
(a) Allgemeine Mikrobiologie (Fuchs) (b) Madigan MT, Martinko JM, Stahl DA Clark DP Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Pearson educ., USA
LO: The students become familiar with theoretical aspects and principles in cell biology, developmental biology, microbiology, biophysics, bioinformatics. With several bioinformatics tools, they become familiar how to use computer based approaches to address and resolve problems in these bioscientific fields. 

Pathogenicity of Microorganisms

C: The major human pathogens will be presented and the mechanisms underlying diseases caused by them will be discussed. In addition, the current knowledge on the action of pathogenicity factors and how they are related to disease development will be introduced for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens. A further focus will be rapidly emerging new pathogens and the expected health and social-economic consequences. Current experimental approaches in infection biology will be explained in the general lectures. This includes aspects of biosafety and biosecurity.
LO: The students become familiar with the theoretic principles of infection biology and pathogenicity including principles and mechanistic details on the origin and spreading of infectious diseases. The students learn to perform biohazard risk assessments and to setup appropriate biosafety actions. They are aware of scenarios in research and environment that may be associated with biological hazards. 

Methods in Life Sciences (Lecture series)

C: Standard molecular techniques including PCR, lipid research methods, microscopic methods, immunohistochemistry, mouse models and gene-knockout approaches, protein and molecular biology techniques, advanced protein biochemistry, methods in bioinformatics and computational biology.
LO: Students are able to review and expand their knowledge of standard molecular techniques and are able to choose methods and techniques to design experiments in a specific research area. 

Cell and Developmental Biology 

C: The module consists of the lecture "Signals and Differentiation" and the seminar "Milestones and Perspectives of Developmental Biology".
The lecture "Signals and Differentiation" does not attempt to impart pure textbook knowledge. Instead, historically important as well as particularly interesting and important trend-setting topics in developmental biology are presented. The topics range from classical developmental subjects such as tissue regeneration and morphogenetic cell migration to molecular stem cell biology, epigenetic plasticity, origins of multicellularity and development within changing environments. 
In the seminar "Milestones and Perspectives of Developmental Biology" classic ground-breaking publications in the field of developmental biology are discussed in an unorthodox way.
LO: Participants gain the expertise to acquire scientific background knowledge of developmental biology to include it into a broader frame of cell biology research.

Molecular Virology

Immunology 1 BS + Immunology 2 BS

Foundations of molecular and cellular immunology as well as infection biology which allow a deeper understanding of immune-mediated defence mechanisms against infectious diseases.
Students will gain a knowledge of fundamental concepts and methods in molecular and cellular immunology and will be able to present and discuss these.

Modules – Practical Courses

Molecular Infection Biology F1

C: Topics and Methods in the fields of Microbiology, Cell Biology, Infection Biology, Parasitology, Mycology, Virology, Immunology
LO: The students collect a basic overvierw about current methods and techniques in the field of Infection Biology including both cellular and molecular approaches. Based on particular projects, they acquire practical skills to use these techniques.

Microbiology F1

C: Participants will work independently on a current research project dealing with microbial pathogens and their interactions with the host. Participants will employ a variety of state-of-the-art methods within the fields of molecular biology, microbiology, cellular biology, and immunology as well as data analysis and literature research techniques. Results will be documented and discussed in a seminar paper or an oral presentation.
LO: Participants will acquire the skills to experimentally address scientific questions in molecular biology and infecti-
on biology, properly document experimental results and adhere to the standards of good scientific practice.

Cell and Developmental Biology F1

C: This 5 weeks full-time practical course provides an introduction into modern cell and developmental biology-related methods with a focus on Bio-Imaging techniques. A broad spectrum of different model organisms is covered and the participants are encouraged to design and perform independently individual experiments. Acquired technological skills are used to analyse important basic biological processes. Major parts of this practical course are small individual projects, which should provide sustained insights into current research activities of the department. Intended interactions with master and graduate students as well as post-docs prepare participants for a future team-based working environment.
LO: The participants are qualified to approach complex scientific questions in the field of cell and developmental biology and can implement acquired methodological tools to answer these questions independently. They are skilled to perform and document cell and developmental biology-related experiments in a generally accepted code of scientific practice.

Molecular Virology F1

Microbiology F2

C: Participants work independently on a current research project dealing with microbiology and infection biology. They apply advanced experimental techniques in microbiology, cell biology and molecular biology according to the project requirements. The research progress of the project is reported in a seminar paper, a research paper or an oral presentation.
LO: The participants acquire the skills to independently perform basic research on microbiology and infection biology according to the standards of good scientific practice and to properly document , interpret and present experimental results. They are qualified to conduct scientific work, perform statistical analysis and interpretation. The acquired knowledge qualifies the students to perform scientific activities in the content of F2 internship or a master thesis.

Cell and Developmental Biology F2

C: Well-defined aspects of scientific projects are addressed with independently designed experiments in the context of current research projects in the field of cell and developmental biology. The applied techniques are evaluated on the basis of the results obtained and modified if necessary. The results of all experiments as well as the impact on the research project is presented and discussed in a progress reports seminar within the research group.
LO: The participants are qualified to carry out scientific experiments in the field of cell and developmental biology independently and modify them according to the outcome. They are competent to approach current scientific topics independently and can perform, interpret and document experiments according to accepted rules of scientific practice. The acquired knowledge qualifies the students to perform scientific activities in the content of F2 internship or a master thesis.

Molecular Infection Biology F2

 

 

Additional Courses (CP)

Molecular Parasitology B (3)

C: The lecture Molecular Parasitology discusses molecular and genetic aspects of parasitic diseases in humans and animals. Special emphasis is on neglected tropical diseases.
LO: Participants possess a knowledge of the theoretical principles underlying parasitology and are able to put this into the broader context of molecular cell biology research.

Molecular Techniques (3)

C: Introduction to new and cutting edge molecular techniques. As well as methods for scientific investigation.
LO: Students are able to recognize cutting edge methods, and techniques to improve experimental strategies and experimental set ups to answer scientific questions.

Molecular Tumour Biology (5)

C: The lecture „Molecular Tumorbiology“discusses molecular characteristics of tumors and relevant biological processes (such as signal transduction, cell growth, cell proliferation, metabolism), tumor specific modifications and current molecular biological methods in tumor research.
LO: Understanding of the current topics and challenges in tumor research and understanding about the methods which could be used to deal with such challenges.

Clinical Tumor Biology (5)

C: In the lecture series „Clinical Tumorbiology“current clinical aspects will be discussed. Several tumortypes will be considered (such as tumors of the skin, lung, intestine, breast, blood). Diagnostics & pathologiy, different treatments and therapies and clinical trials will be further topics.
LO: Knowledge about the similarities and differences of various tumor types. Understanding of requirements, possibilities and limitations in clinical medicine.

 Immunology 1 B (5)

C: Basic concepts of modern cellular and molecular Immunology.
LO: Participants learn to read, critically discuss and present current concepts in immunology at (advanced) text book level. Reception of talks on current topics in immunology which are given by varying researchers covering a broad range of immunological topics.

 Immunology 2 B (5)

C: Current topics in molecular and cellular immunology with emphasis on autoimmunity. allergy, immunomodulation, cancer and transplantation immunology, immunity of infection and evolution of the immune system.
LO: Capability to read, critically discuss and present current concepts in immunology on the basis of original literature and primary data.

Molecular Virology 1 B (7)

C: This course offers an introduction to virology and current research in the field of virology.
LO: Students have gained the ability to understand and discuss in depth current issues in virology.

Virology 2 B

C: This course offers an introduction to virology and current research in the field of virology.
LO: Students will have gained the ability to understand and discuss in depth current issues in virology.

Methods in Life Sciences B (7)

C: Versioned molecular techniques, lipid research methods, microscopic methods, immunohistochemistry, mouse models and gene-knockout approaches, protein and molecular biology techniques, PCR, advanced protein biochemistry, methods in bioinformatics and computational biology.
LO: Students are able to review and expand their knowledge of standard molecular techniques and are able to choose methods and techniques to design experiments in a specific research area.

Topics and Concepts in Life Sciences B (7)

C: A broad variety of topics and concepts from the areas of neuroscience, infection and immunity, integrative biology, and biomedicine including for example: protein characterisation, DNA repair, Drosophila, computational biology, and neurocircuits is presented.
LO: Students have an overview of the current research topics in the Graduate School of Life Sciences and are able to explain their significance and scientific background.

 

Additional Courses & Final Thesis

ADDITIONAL COURSES (continued)

Linux and Perl (5)

C: Introduction to the Linux operating system, writing computer programs using the programming language Perl to
answer bioinformatic questions.
LO: Students are able to use Linux as user and to write simple Perl scripts to answer bioinformatic questions.

Presentation of Scientific Data (5)

C: Principles for the preparation of scientific manuscripts, citations and the presentation of scientific data. Students will write a scientific mini review and present this in a talk (15 minutes). Content, structure, coherence and the logical chain of arguments will be discussed. Students will write and publish (where possible) a scientific paper or review on a selected topic in a scientific journal. The students' work will be based on original papers as well as on reviews and will follow the instructions of a scientific journal of the students' choice. Both length of chapters and structure of the article should be based on the style of the journal selected.
LO: The students are familiar with the details of publishing scientific data in written and oral form. They have become familiar with the methodology of scientific publishing in oral or written fashion. In addition, they have enhanced
their English reading, speaking and writing skills.

Quality Assurance, Good Practice, Biosafety and Biosecurity (5)

C: Basic Rules of Good Practice in the Life Sciences including laboratory, manufacturing, clinical and manufacturing practices. DIN en iso 9000-9004 standards, environmental protection and Biological safety and security / dual use criteria. Management concepts in the Biosciences.
LO: The students are aware of several regulations and standards in the Life Sciences field and are aware of Quality standards in the Bioscientific context. Furthermore, they deal with management concepts in the field of science,
environmental context and industry.

 

 

FINAL THESIS

Thesis (25)

C: A defined scientific question is addressed by adequate techniques. Students plan and perform experiments to solve problems or summarize and interpret existing data. The students have to develop a research plan and apply advanced and novel techniques in the context of a given research project according to good scientific practice. The results are summarized in a written thesis. The project lasts for six month.

LO: Students are qualified to scientifically work on a topic on their own. They are competent to discuss the current research in the field. They are competent to work according to good practice and to document, interpret and to discuss their results. They are competent to discuss and to defend their data in the scientific community.

Thesis Defense / Oral examination Biology (3)

C: Verification of thesis content through oral examination. Total length should not exceed 45 min. (30 min. plus 15 min. of questions pertaining to the thesis, as well as related subjects) 

LO: The students are able to present the results of their thesis work to a public audience in a limited time and they are able to critically discuss questions and concerns.